Types of Apprehended Violence Orders
There are two main types of Apprehended violence orders:
(1) apprehended domestic violence orders (or ADVOs) where there is, or has been, a domestic relationship such as:
- a marriage,
- a de-facto relationship,
- another intimate relationship, regardless of whether there have been sexual relations,
- living in the same home or residential facility.
(2) apprehended personal violence orders (or APVOs) where there has been no domestic relationship.
Applications for AVOs can be made by police or individuals.
Applications brought by police on behalf of ‘persons in need of protection’ (‘PINOPs) are called ‘police AVOs’.
In certain circumstances, police are required to apply for ADVOs unless there are good reasons not to.
Applications by individuals are called ‘private AVOs’
The rules relating to ADVOs and APVOs are different in several respects and an experienced AVO lawyer will be able to advise you about the procedure for the AVO in your case, and the best way forward.